The New York Yankees came into Game 3 of the World Series facing a 2-0 deficit against the Los Angeles Dodgers, needing a win to avoid falling into a seemingly insurmountable hole. However, the Dodgers once again proved too much for the Yankees, cruising to a 4-2 victory and moving within one win of a championship repeat.

Dodgers Deliver Knockout Blow to Yankees' Title Hopes

Shaky Start for Yankees Starter Schmidt

Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt struggled mightily from the outset, issuing four walks in just 2.2 innings of work. His command issues were particularly problematic with his cutter, which he failed to locate effectively. The Dodgers capitalized, with Freddie Freeman launching a towering home run off a poorly located Schmidt offering to give Los Angeles an early 3-0 lead.Despite the early deficit, the Yankees' bullpen managed to keep the game within reach, allowing just one run over the final 6.1 innings. However, the Yankees' offense was unable to mount a meaningful comeback, mustering just four baserunners against Dodgers starter Walker Buehler, who turned in a solid five-inning performance.

Yankees' Offensive Woes Continue

The Yankees' offensive struggles were a microcosm of their overall performance in the series. Superstar sluggers Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. combined to go 0-for-13 with four walks, failing to provide the necessary production to overcome the early deficit.Perhaps the most frustrating moment for the Yankees came in the fourth inning, when Judge crushed what appeared to be a towering home run off a hanging Buehler curveball. However, the ball fell harmlessly into the glove of Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, leaving the Yankees still trailing by three runs. Judge's struggles have been emblematic of the Yankees' offensive woes, as the presumptive AL MVP has just one hit in 13 at-bats with seven strikeouts in the series.

Dodgers' Defensive Gems Stifle Yankees' Comeback Bid

The Yankees' best chance to mount a comeback came in the fourth inning, when Giancarlo Stanton doubled and Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a hard, sinking line drive to right field. However, Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts made a diving catch to rob Chisholm of a hit, potentially saving a run. The Yankees' third base coach, Luis Rojas, then compounded the missed opportunity by aggressively sending Stanton home, where he was thrown out at the plate.The Dodgers' defensive prowess, combined with the Yankees' inability to capitalize on their limited opportunities, proved to be the difference in the game. Despite a late two-run homer by Alex Verdugo that cut the deficit in half, the Yankees were unable to complete the comeback, falling to the Dodgers 4-2 and facing the daunting task of needing to win four straight games to claim the championship.